21st November 2026: The day the music played, and the dance swept us all away...
As a dancer myself, and a lifelong devotee to the delicate, beautiful and dramatic world of ballet, I often find myself mesmerized not only by the athleticism and graceful moves of the performers, but also by the rich and poignant sounds that set the scene and elevate the choreography to a new level. Today, 21st November 2026, feels like a perfect day to take a closer look at the magical world of ballet music and how it's influencing and being influenced by the evolving soundscape of the 21st century.
The connection between music and dance has always been a dance itself - an intricate waltz where the two partners weave in and out, around and through each other, creating something beautiful and transformative.
A Time Capsule of Classical Grandeur:
- When we think of ballet music, we can't escape the shadow of the classical greats – Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Debussy, Prokofiev – each leaving behind a legacy of music that became indelibly linked to specific ballets. From the romantic melodies of Swan Lake to the evocative power of The Rite of Spring, these composers brought not just music to the stage, but an emotional depth that made these works legendary.
- As we continue to celebrate and appreciate these composers' enduring contribution to ballet, the challenge for modern choreographers is to keep this classical tradition alive whilst offering new and contemporary interpretations.
- There’s an element of “sacredness” surrounding this classical legacy. But can the world of ballet move forward if it constantly looks backwards?
Breaking Barriers: The Emergence of Contemporary Voices:
- Fortunately, in recent times, we’ve seen a rise in choreographers bold enough to challenge tradition. These visionary individuals are willing to explore new, contemporary sounds and weave them into their ballet works, making the music and the choreography a true dialogue.
- Take the stunning performance of "A Silent Movie" by the British dance company, DV8. Here, a haunting score, infused with electronica and atmospheric soundscapes, is paired with powerful contemporary dance sequences that comment on our hyper-connected but isolating digital world.
- Similarly, “The Great Gatsby” with its original score and nods to the jazz and Charleston music of the Roaring Twenties, takes the traditional ballet concept of costume and set design and reinterprets it through a lens that is both vibrant and innovative.
A Deeper Dive: Ballet and the Rise of Independent Artists:
- A parallel development that's exciting the world of dance is the emergence of independent choreographers and artists who aren’t afraid to experiment with the boundaries of dance, including music. Many are embracing collaborations with contemporary music artists, fusing electronic beats, folk influences, and even rap with their choreography. A perfect example is the ballet company “Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels” where artistic director Benoit Swan Pouffer recently partnered with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend for his production of "Dust" – a truly transformative ballet piece exploring the fragility of life.
- These collaborative works highlight that ballet isn’t restricted to grand theaters; they often venture into more intimate spaces – abandoned warehouses, art galleries, even open air spaces - creating a unique sense of connection between performer and audience.
- More importantly, the move away from solely relying on classical music has opened up an entirely new world of musical possibilities – creating ballets with a greater sense of realism and inclusivity.
The Future: Where Does The Music Lead Us?
- As technology continues to evolve and shape the ways we create and consume music, it's certain to impact ballet as well. The digital age presents countless new possibilities.
- Imagine immersive dance experiences, with virtual reality and augmented reality creating truly transformative and mind-bending experiences. We are now able to experience these through a mobile device that can access the music through high-fidelity earphones – completely immersing the user in an unparalleled ballet experience, at home, anywhere, anytime!
- And can you imagine a dance show where the music itself becomes a dynamic, interactive element - a kaleidoscope of sound controlled by audience members through the tap of a smartphone app?
- The boundaries of ballet are becoming less defined, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
A Note On Style
- There’s a misconception about the world of ballet – that it's only about pink tutus and delicate pointe shoes, or for that matter, white leotards.
- Well, to celebrate the evolution of this art form, I have picked up the very best ballet pink tulle skirt from a Parisian couture house, but for the leotard, I've opted for something different - a rich, royal blue silk creation – the ultimate combination of femininity, power and, a touch of rebellion!
- And so today, let's raise a glass to the extraordinary art form that is ballet and the magic it creates with music.
- Happy dancing, everyone!